How to Get the Shoreline Greenbelt Program

What you get

A 50/50 cost match, up to $1,500 per site, for Higgins Lake riparian property owners installing a shoreline greenbelt of natural vegetation. The Foundation separately offers a $2,000 match for seawall removal; that figure is a distinct, non-landscaping line item and is not part of this rebate. Confirm the plant-species requirement directly with the Foundation before applying, as the program page does not restate a native-only rule as explicitly as comparable Michigan lake-association programs (Higgins Lake Foundation; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: 50/50 cost match, up to $1,500 per site (greenbelt/native vegetation only)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Higgins Lake Foundation customer
• Property located in: Roscommon
• Riparian (lakefront) property owner on Higgins Lake
• Submit the online preliminary-evaluation application (property details, erosion history, site conditions, vegetation coverage, shoreline photos)
• Greenbelt defined as a zone of natural vegetation along the shoreline

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Higgins Lake Foundation and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.